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.

Andhra Pradesh authorities have issued a weather alert as cyclonic storm Ditwah is set to bring heavy rainfall to Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema over the next two days. The system, currently positioned over the southwest Bay of Bengal near the Sri Lanka coast, continues to move north-northwestward, prompting strict advisories for residents, fishermen and farmers.

Cyclone Ditwah nears Tamil Nadu–Andhra belt

According to the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority, the cyclone has been moving steadily, covering around 8–10 kmph in recent hours. Officials said the system is currently located close to Trincomalee in Sri Lanka and is gradually advancing toward the North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and south Andhra coastal stretch.

Prakhar Jain, Managing Director of the state disaster authority, noted that heavy rains are expected across Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema over the next two days due to its impact. Fishermen have been instructed to stay away from the sea, while farmers have been asked to take precautions during field activities.

IMD issues orange alert for coastal regions

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded an orange alert for the north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjoining south Andhra coasts as Ditwah intensifies with strong winds and the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall. The system is projected to reach the southwest Bay of Bengal near the regional coastline by early November 30.

IMD said the storm lay centred close to Sri Lanka in the early hours of Friday and continues to move north-northwestwards. Widespread advisories have been issued for coastal residents due to the potential impact of the strengthening winds and rough sea conditions.

Andhra coast bracing for extended rainfall spell

Vizag Cyclone Warning Centre Officer Jagannath Kumar warned that rainfall intensity is expected to fluctuate over the next six days across the northern and southern coastal districts. Thunderstorms with lightning are also likely between the second and fifth day.

Kumar explained that north coastal districts will witness a gradual shift from dry conditions to isolated showers, followed by scattered and then fairly widespread rain over the next several days. South coastal districts will see a similar pattern, with rainfall peaking around the third to fifth day. Fishermen have again been strongly advised to avoid venturing into the sea due to squally winds strengthening along the Andhra coast.

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.