India’s economic momentum picked up sharply in the July–September quarter, with GDP rising 8.2%, marking the fastest growth in six quarters. The latest data shows strong manufacturing output and improved nominal growth, pushing India further up the global economic rankings.

Manufacturing boosts quarterly growth

Government figures show that manufacturing — which accounts for 14% of India’s GDP — expanded 9.1% in Q2, significantly higher than 2.2% recorded in the same period last year. The rise is attributed to higher production ahead of a possible consumption lift following GST rate adjustments.

The overall GDP print surpassed the previous quarter’s 7.8% and was well above the 5.6% recorded during the corresponding period a year earlier. India’s nominal GDP growth in the September quarter stood at 8.7%, according to the official data.

PM Modi hails “pro-growth policies”

Reacting to the fresh numbers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the performance reflects the positive impact of reforms and the resilience of Indian citizens.
He stated that the government will continue to push policies aimed at improving ease of living and enabling sustained expansion.

Growth needed for ‘Viksit Bharat’

The Economic Survey for 2024–25 has underlined that India must sustain around 8% growth at constant prices annually for the next 10–20 years to achieve the 2047 goal of becoming a developed nation.

The World Bank, too, noted earlier this year that India needs to maintain an average 7.8% growth over the next two decades to meet its aspirations, adding that such progress would require reforms to match the scale of the ambition.

India climbs global economic rankings

India continues to rise in terms of economic size — moving from the 11th spot in 2013–14 to fourth-largest globally. The country surpassed several major economies in the past decade, and experts say the next phase of progress will hinge on raising per capita income.

Government data shows India grew 8.7% in 2021–22 and 7.2% in 2022–23, consolidating its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday called the worsening air pollution in Delhi a “health emergency” and urged the Centre to present a strict, enforceable action plan to tackle the crisis. He also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence as toxic air continues to choke residents of the national capital.

Gandhi said he met several mothers who expressed fear and frustration over their children growing up in severely polluted air. Sharing a video of his conversation with them, he said many families felt helpless as the situation persisted.

Seeks accountability, detailed action plan

In a post on X, the Leader of Opposition said the government was showing “no urgency, no plan, no accountability” despite the alarming conditions. He demanded an immediate debate in Parliament on the pollution emergency and stressed that India’s children deserved clean air instead of “excuses and distractions”.

Gandhi also asked why the government was not taking responsibility for the prolonged deterioration in air quality across the national capital region.

Delhi’s air quality remains in ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ range

Delhi has been struggling with very poor air quality for nearly two weeks. Forecasts by the Air Quality Early Warning System indicate that the pollution levels are expected to stay in the ‘very poor’ category over the coming week as well.

With pollution-linked ailments rising, doctors have advised regular diagnostic screening, especially for asthma patients, children, smokers and those with cardiac or respiratory conditions. Experts warn that toxic air can worsen inflammation, reduce lung capacity and aggravate pre-existing diseases.

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Thursday criticised Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar for urging voters to support his party candidates with the promise of assured development funds. Calling the comment unacceptable, Sharad Pawar said seeking votes on monetary assurances undermines democratic values.

Sharad Pawar questions fund-linked appeal for votes

Speaking to reporters in Baramati, the senior Pawar said it was “not appropriate” to ask people to vote based on financial commitments.
Ajit Pawar had recently told voters in Malegaon, Baramati tehsil, that his party would ensure no shortage of funds if its candidates were elected, but if voters rejected them, he would “reject” too.

Sharad Pawar said, “Instead of asking for votes based on work, the appeal is being made on the basis of financial assurances. This is inappropriate. If the only goal is to win elections using financial factors, then such comments are unnecessary.”

Local body elections across Maharashtra are scheduled for December 2.

Farmers’ aid ‘not enough’, says Pawar

Sharad Pawar also criticised the state government’s response to farmers who suffered damage due to recent heavy rains and floods. He noted that the loan recovery pause for one year may offer temporary relief but will not be effective in the long term.

“Looking at the losses, the state should have provided partial financial aid to farmers. That would have helped adequately,” he said.