1. Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025 Inaugurated in New Delhi
SUBJECT: DEFENCE
- President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the third edition of the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025 at the Manekshaw Centre, themed “Reform to Transform: Sashakt, Surakshit aur Viksit Bharat,” bringing together military leaders, strategists, diplomats, and experts to discuss India’s evolving security landscape.
- The event underscores the Indian Army’s push for defence reforms, including modernization of forces through new platforms, technology integration, and streamlined procurement processes to enhance transparency and accountability.
- Discussions highlighted the need for innovation in defence ecosystems, with emphasis on Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives to reduce external dependencies and foster indigenous industrial growth.
- Concepts: Atmanirbhar Bharat – Promotes self-reliance in defence manufacturing; Integrated Theatre Commands – Aims for jointness among Army, Navy, and Air Force under national security strategy.
- Outcomes may include actionable recommendations for long-term transformation, aligning with global trends in hybrid warfare and cyber threats.
- The dialogue reinforces India’s commitment to a secure and developed nation by 2047, integrating youth and private-sector inputs for holistic reforms.
2. IMF Assigns ‘C’ Grade to India’s National Accounts Statistics
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- The International Monetary Fund graded India’s National Accounts Statistics a ‘C’ in its annual review, citing regular data availability but methodological gaps that hinder effective economic surveillance and cross-country comparisons.
- The assessment points to needs for better statistical techniques, improved modelling practices, and enhanced integration of informal sector data to boost accuracy in GDP and GVA estimations.
- India’s real GDP grew 8.2% in Q2 FY26 (July-September), up from 5.6% last year, driven by public investment, though global headwinds like US tariffs pose risks to projections.
- Concepts: Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – Measures total economic output; Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) – Adjusts for cost differences in international comparisons.
- Recommendations include accelerating structural reforms in labor markets and FX policies to support inclusive growth amid rupee depreciation challenges.
- This grading underscores the urgency for robust data systems to aid policy-making and attract FDI in a subsidy-driven economy.
3. G20 Summit 2025 in Johannesburg Highlights Geopolitical Divides
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- The 2025 G20 Summit in Johannesburg proceeded without US, China, and Russia, delivering Africa-focused outcomes on debt relief and disaster resilience but weakening the forum’s role as a global economic steering body.
- South Africa, assuming the 2025 G20 presidency under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” prioritized Global South representation and civil society inputs to anchor legitimacy beyond big-power politics.
- Key declarations emphasized vulnerable country mechanisms, though absences underscored the need for renewed major-power engagement and actionable results on climate finance.
- Concepts: Global South – Refers to developing nations advocating equitable global governance; G20 – Forum for international economic cooperation among 19 countries and EU.
- India’s role in mobilizing coalitions could reverse underrepresentation trends, enhancing development and security outcomes for emerging economies.
- The summit signals shifting dynamics, with South Africa pushing for inclusive agendas amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
4. Cabinet Approves Tex-RAMPS Scheme for Textile Innovation
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- The Union Cabinet approved the Textiles Focused Research, Assessment, Monitoring, Planning and Start-up (Tex-RAMPS) Scheme with ₹305 crore outlay for 2025-26 to 2030-31, aiming to bolster innovation and global competitiveness in the textile sector.
- The initiative includes data analytics platforms like ITSS for real-time monitoring, capacity-building workshops, and funding for incubators and hackathons to support startups and academia-industry ties.
- It targets employment mapping, supply chain studies, and the India-Size project to create a knowledge ecosystem, aligning with cultural and economic significance of textiles in India.
- Concepts: Atmanirbhar Bharat – Encourages self-reliance in traditional industries; National Textile Policy – Focuses on sustainability and export growth.
- Expected impacts include deeper state collaborations and enhanced quality culture, positioning India as a leader in sustainable apparel exports.
- The scheme complements existing efforts like PM MITRA parks, fostering entrepreneurship in handlooms and handicrafts.
5. Cyclone Ditwah Intensifies Over Bay of Bengal, Triggers Alerts in Tamil Nadu
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- Cyclone Ditwah, positioned over coastal Sri Lanka and southwest Bay of Bengal, is moving north-northwestwards, expected to bring extremely heavy rainfall to Tamil Nadu’s delta districts and intensify into a storm by November 30.
- Red alerts issued for isolated extremely heavy rains in districts like Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, and Pudukottai, with schools and colleges closed in Chennai, Cuddalore, Villupuram, and Puducherry on November 28.
- Chief Minister M.K. Stalin stated the state is fully prepared, with real-time monitoring at integrated command centers and evacuation plans for vulnerable coastal areas.
- Concepts: Bay of Bengal Cyclone Season – Peaks in October-November due to high sea surface temperatures; Disaster Management Act, 2005 – Empowers state responses to natural calamities.
- Orange and yellow alerts extend to adjoining Andhra Pradesh, highlighting climate change’s role in frequent cyclonic activities.
- The system follows Cyclone Senyar’s weakening, but remnant moisture continues to fuel rains over south India and Andaman & Nicobar.
